November 9, 2026
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has today (9 November 2026) been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months’ imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court.
The sentencing follows his conviction on 5 November of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women, following a four-week trial in which the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts.
The case involved extensive preparation by the prosecution team, working with evidence gathered during a complex three-year Metropolitan Police investigation during which officers took more than 340 witness statements, including from Brand’s former colleagues, employers and associates. With allegations dating back as far as 27 years and no CCTV or forensic evidence available, the case demanded meticulous preparation and detailed examination of historical evidence.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Bennathan stated: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts…”
Riel Karmy-Jones KC (Red Lion Chambers) led Suki Dhadda (2KBW) and Katie Bacon (Red Lion Chambers) in the prosecution.
The prosecution team was instructed by Shani Taggart and subsequently David Roberts, both of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Riel Karmy-Jones KC has extensive experience prosecuting and defending serious sexual offences cases, including allegations of historic sexual abuse, rape and cases involving children as both victims and accused.
Katie Bacon appears for both the prosecution and defence in criminal matters in the Crown, Youth and Magistrates’ Courts. She is a CPS Grade 3 panel advocate and a Grade 2 advocate on the serious crime and fraud specialist panels.
Courtroom illustrations © Elizabeth Cook/PA
